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PELHAM, N.Y. - Many families have holiday traditions that they love to do year after year, including four Pelham families whose rituals bring their families even closer together.

Even though Kit Portrakes mom has passed away, she keeps her memory alive through a specific dessert every Christmas.

My mother always made pecan pie at Christmas time and I have her recipe, said Portrake. Shes gone now and I still make the pecan pie. That makes me feel comforted.

Not only does the Timeless Treasures store owner swear by the pie, but she also said that she loves making it.

I think people feel comforted by having the same food that their parents made when they were kids, said Portrake. So, they keep on making it.

Her sister-in-law, Katherine Portrake, celebrates the Chinese New Year in a big way.

Everybody gets together; we have a spread out, desserts, and a lot of fun, said Portrake.

Perhaps the best part about her celebration with family and friends has to do with an envelope.

Youve got to have a red envelope too, said Portrake. It brings good fortune and there is money in it too. Its got to be nice, new, crisp bills for the new year.

Portrake said that people celebrate the New Year for two to four weeks.

People take off from work and everythings shut down, she said.

Another favorite tradition comes from the seasons most popular drink. Whether you make your own or buy it from the store, it is tough for many people to not have a few glasses of it.

Eggnog made by Edward Johnson, my brother, Laverne Sasser said. He makes it from scratch and puts real cream and of course spikes it very nicely with a little brandy. Its rich and frothy, which is what makes it so good.

Her brother used to use their grandmothers eggnog bowl, but then he got his own.

Interestingly enough, I am a volunteer here with Accent [on Antiques], and theres actually an eggnog bowl over there. That was my grandmothers. Unfortunately, he has his own, so we dont use that anymore.

There are even some lucky families that celebrate Christmas more than once a year. For instance, Peter Kougasian is Armenian and therefore enjoys Christmas on two different days with his family.

Armenians traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 6, said Kougasian. My wife is not Armenian. So, usually we celebrate December 25 and then celebrate January 6. We have two Christmases.

His son receives gifts on both days and Kougasian likes the tradition as well for a specific reason.